Emad Travels

Emad Travels

Emad Travels

How to Perform Umrah

The Definition of Umrah:
The dictionary meaning of ' umrah ' is ' to visit ' but in religious terminology it is to assume the ' ihram ' and at the ' miqat ' or hill and observe the ' tawaf ' of the ' baytullah ' and perform ' Sa'ay ' between Safa and Marwah. It is also known as Hajj Asghar. It is ' sunnah muwakida ' to perform it once in a life time if one has the ability and means to perform it.
Unlike Hajj, which is a compulsory pillar of Islam, Umrah is optional and simpler. It is based on a smaller scale, involving only some selected exercises of the hajj.

Nature of Umrah:
Umrah is performed in reference to a Quranic command (2:196). Numerous Traditions of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) also clearly stress the need for performing Umrah. Umrah is performed to please Allah and to earn His blessings, in favour of materialistic persuits. The Holy Quran says:
“Accomplish Hajj and Umrah for Allah” (2:196).
Umrah can be performed any time during the year, although Ramadan is considered the best month. Performing Umrah once in a lifetime is a Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). However, Muslims are free to perform Umrahs upto any number of times.

Basis of Umrah:
Following are the fundamental rites and rituals to be performed in Umrah:
Ihram : Entering in Ihram from or before the relevant Miqat.
Niyyah : Pronouncing the Niyyah (Intention) prescribed for Umrah.
Tawaf : Tawaf (going round) of the Holy Kaabah (7 circuits).
Zam Zam : Drinking Zam Zam on completing the tawaf.
Saay : Saay (swift walking) between Safa and Marwah (7walks).
Shaving : Complete shaving or partial clipping of the head's hair at the end of the 7th walk of the Saay at Marwah

The Stages of Umrah:
To understand the complete procedure of Umrah, let us take a look at the steps involved.